We, the Fans, Are To Blame for Brett Favre Saga

Most fans of the NFL, and even of the Green Bay Packers don't fully understand the Brett Favre situation. I am just as tired as the next fan of all the "Breaking News" stories regarding Favre, as I am sure most people are.

Does it a seem a bit hypocritical to be writing an article of this sort? I suppose a little, but I think that this is a side of the story that is ignored by media outlets and one that must be shared.

Let me premise the rest of this article by saying that I am a lifelong Packer fan, who is also forever indebted to Brett Favre for all that he has done for the franchise. There is no act of heresy, even playing for the dreaded Vikings, that could alter my opinion of him. Is it a thought that I enjoy? Brett Favre in purple, playing in spite of my favorite team?

Absolutely not. But there is a certain level of respect that I have for Brett, and from what I have seen, that is a pretty rare stance. So, let's dive right in to why the Favre hate should cease.

Admittedly, he is a little full of himself. But who is to blame for that? It is us, the Packer fans who worshiped the ground he walked on for a decade and a half. Why has Brett been such a popular figure in the NFL and in sports in general?

Because he is just like us, the casual fans, and we adored him for that. Sadly, that is also why some can't stand him. It is a double edged sword.

Those of us who saw his come from behind victory over the Bengals... Those of us who witnessed his drug addiction and fought through it with him.Those of us that praised him for bringing Lombardi back to its rightful resting place.

Those of us who went through his fathers death, his brother in laws death, and his wife's breast cancer. Those of us that witnessed him break every significant passing record in league history (yes, the INT record included).

We are at fault for blowing up that ego like a balloon. He gave everything. His mind, his body, his soul...to the Green Bay Packers. He is a proud man. There is nothing wrong with that. If we want to refer to him as a 'spoiled child', there must have been somebody who did the spoiling. Time to look in the mirror and witness the truth.

He feels betrayed, and in my mind, rightfully so. Some fans are so quick to put all the blame on one party for the Favre divorce, but that simply can't be done. Both made mistakes in the process. I love Aaron Rodgers (hoping that he stays healthy), and am relieved that this worked out in our favor.

Don't take this the wrong way, though. Many fans feel as if Brett Favre is betraying them for even thinking about suiting up in purple. I understand that line of thinking. I mean, Favre was with the Packers for over a decade and a half and the Packers thought they had exclusive rights over the Hall of Fame QB.

The fans owe a lot to Favre, and Favre owes so much to the fans. He would openly admit to that fact. But after Favre was traded to the Jets, his legacy in Green Bay should have been solidified. The feeling of betrayal is somewhat mutual, but you have to realize that Favre's problem isn't with us the fans.

The man simply wants to play football again. I get tired of the constant "Favre Watch" just as much as the next guy, but I love to watch him play. I remember watching a Packers home game on TV before Favre departed for the Jets, and one fan sign read, "Brett's continuing journey is our reward."

I see no reason that this statement should be any different now, no matter what colors he is wearing. If he wants to play football, and somebody is willing to pay him, let him play.

I am not out to change any ones perspective on this situation. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My goal, and hope for writing this article is to simply open other fans up to a new perspective.

In conclusion, Brett Favre is not guilty of being a selfish jerk out to make your life miserable, he is guilty of being a hero to the Green Bay Packers.

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